Sun, Fun & Hair Protection 101

Sunshine, salty breezes, and poolside lounging—what’s not to love? Oh right, the hair damage. Whether you’re soaking up rays at the beach or swimming laps in the pool, your hair is catching more heat than it deserves. Luckily, with the right tips and products, you can protect your strands and keep your color looking fresh all summer long.

🏊‍♀️ At the Pool: Hair vs. Chlorine

We love a good cannonball, but your hair? Not so much.

Here’s what you’re up against:

• Chlorine is basically bleach—and that means color fade city.

• It bonds with keratin, your hair’s structural protein, weakening your strands over time.

• Blondes, beware: Light hair can take on a greenish tint thanks to copper algaecides in pool water.

• Hard water minerals in pools add another layer of dryness and dullness.

💧How to Fight Back:

• Saturate your hair with clean water before getting in the pool—your hair acts like a sponge, so fill it with the good stuff first.

• Apply a leave-in conditioner like Unite’s 7 Seconds or a deep conditioner beforehand to create a protective barrier.

• Rinse immediately after swimming to flush out chlorine and minerals.

• Shampoo with a swimmer-safe clarifier like Unite’s Weekender Shampoo to fully detox the hair.

• Minimize sun exposure during and after your swim to avoid double damage.

• Swim caps aren’t just for Olympians—grab a cute one and thank yourself later.

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🏖️ At the Beach: Salty but Still Soft

Saltwater may feel magical, but it’s secretly drying your hair out and leaving it vulnerable to breakage.

You can use many of the same tricks from the pool here:

• Soak your hair with water before hitting the ocean.

• Apply a UV-protectant leave-in like 7 Seconds to shield against the sun and salt.

• Rinse thoroughly after swimming to prevent salt build-up and dryness.

• And yes, a hat is your best friend—not only does it preserve your color, but it protects your scalp (yes, your scalp can sunburn too).

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Summer Must-Haves: Your Hair’s Ride-or-Die Products

🌊 7 Seconds Leave-In Conditioner

Spray this on before diving into any water—chlorine or ocean—and your strands get a hydrating, detangling force field. It fights UV rays, prevents frizz, and stops the dreaded “crunch” before it starts. Beach bag essential.

💧 7 Seconds Moisture Conditioner

This ultra-nourishing conditioner hydrates, repairs, and shields all hair types from sun and thermal damage. Use it after beach days or blowouts to keep your hair soft, strong, and salon-fresh.

🧼 Weekender Shampoo

Chlorine and product buildup don’t stand a chance. This clarifying shampoo gently deep cleans while restoring your hair’s natural softness and pH balance. Perfect for weekly resets—just a heads-up, go light on this one if you’ve got temporary or demi-permanent color, as it can strip more than you bargained for.

☀️ Final Thoughts

Summer should be carefree—not full of regret over faded color or brittle ends. With a few simple habits and the right product lineup, your hair can thrive all season long, no matter how many pool days or beach hangs you have planned.

Got questions or want personalized product recommendations? Swing by Katie Blue Salon—we’ve got your hair covered (literally and figuratively).

-Stef

Booth Rent vs. Commission: Which Model Fits You Best?

Booth Rent vs. Commission: Which Hairstylist Model Fits You Best?

Deciding between booth rental and commission isn’t just about money—it’s about lifestyle, goals, and how you want to grow behind the chair. At Katie Blue Salon, we proudly offer both models, because we know that no two stylists are the same—and your path should match your priorities.

Whether you crave independence or love the support of a team, here's a breakdown to help you figure out which setup fits you best.

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💸 Financial Structure

Booth Rent Pros:

• Predictable rent: You know what you owe each week/month.

• You keep 100% of what you earn after expenses.

• Great for experienced stylists with full books.

Booth Rent Cons:

• You pay rent whether you're booked or not.

• Supplies, tools, and backbar are all out of pocket.

• Slow weeks can hit harder financially.

Commission Pros:

• No overhead costs—backbar, marketing, and tools are provided.

• Pay is performance-based, with earning potential that grows as your book fills.

• No pressure to cover rent during slow seasons or vacations.

Commission Cons:

• Your earnings are a percentage of what you bring in.

• Less financial control compared to running your own mini business.

🧴 Supplies & Inventory

Booth Rent:
You’re running your own setup, so all tools, color, and retail inventory are your responsibility. This gives you full control over brands—but comes with higher costs.

Commission:
Everything is provided—from color lines to foil. That means less out-of-pocket spending and no late-night restocking runs.

📈 Clientele & Marketing

Booth Rent:
You’re in charge of growing and retaining your clientele. If you love being your own brand and enjoy social media, this might be a great fit.

Commission:
Marketing, advertising, and online booking are handled for you. A good option if you'd rather spend your energy on clients than on Canva and hashtags.

🎓 Education & Career Growth

Booth Rent:
You choose when and where to invest in education. Total freedom, but also total cost.

Commission:
At Katie Blue, commission stylists receive access to continued education, in-salon training, and trend-focused classes—all included.

🤝 Work Culture & Support

Booth Rent:
You’ve got full autonomy, but that also means less built-in collaboration. Great for self-motivated stylists who love solo work.

Commission:
You’re part of a team. From brainstorming color formulas to sharing content ideas, the salon culture is collaborative and community-driven.

🧘‍♀️ Work-Life Balance

Booth Rent:
Flexible scheduling and full control over your hours. But you're also the one handling rebooking, inventory, and every little task.

Commission:
Schedules are built around availability and client demand, but the admin work is off your plate. More focus on hair, less juggling.

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✨ Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Booth rental offers freedom and ownership. Commission offers support and structure. At Katie Blue Salon, we offer both—because your career should grow in the direction you choose.

If you're unsure where you fit, let’s talk. We’re here to help you build a career that works for your life—whether that means running your own chair or growing with a commission-based team.

-Stef